Abstract: Improved apparatus (10) for the handling and packing of meat emulsion products is provided which eliminates the problem of "swirl" in such products, i.e., the undesirable appearance of red meat particles in a circular or spiral pattern. The apparatus (10) preferably includes a piston-type food pump (12) equipped with a vacuumizer (24), and a downstream emulsified product sizer (14). A conveying tube (16) operatively couples the pump (12) and sizer (14). The assembly (16) is in the form of an elongated tube (36) having a plurality of axially spaced apart, flow-disrupting disk sets (48) therein. Each disk set (48) has an apertured disk (50) and a downstream, smaller diameter, imperforate disk (56).

Abstract: A compact, relatively low cost twin piston pump (20) especially adapted for the pumping of foods (e.g. juices, puddings or particulates such as stews and chilies) is provided which includes quick detach yoke and clevis assemblies (108, 124, 110, 126) connecting the reciprocable pistons (100, 102) with their associated hydraulic cylinders (116, 118), thereby permitting quick cleanup of the machine (20). A jacking screw plate (136) is used for forward mounting of the piston and cylinder assemblies (84, 86, 116, 118) coupled with the sleeves (42, 44) and associated pistons (100, 102). This permits precise adjustment of the working components of the machine, while eliminating expensive bearings and heavy duty framing members. The pump (20) is also provided with a slide plate-type valve (38, 184) for controlling output of product from the pump (20). In one valve embodiment (184) a two-part metallic slide plate assembly (192, 200) is sandwiched between a pair of apertured nylon plates (186).

Abstract: A compact, relatively low cost twin piston pump (20) especially adapted for the pumping of foods (e.g. juices, puddings or particulates such as stews and chilies) is provided which includes quick detach yoke and clevis assemblies (108, 124, 110, 126) connecting the reciprocable pistons (100, 102) with their associated hydraulic cylinders (116, 118), thereby permitting quick cleanup of the machine (20). A jacking screw plate (136) is used for forward mounting of the piston and cylinder assemblies (84, 86, 116, 118) coupled with the sleeves (42, 44) and associated pistons (100, 102). This permits precise adjustment of the working components of the machine, while eliminating expensive bearings and heavy duty framing members. The pump (20) is also provided with a slide plate-type valve (38, 184) for controlling output of product from the pump (20). In one valve embodiment (184) a two-part metallic slide plate assembly (192, 200) is sandwiched between a pair of apertured nylon plates (186).

Abstract: A compact, relatively low cost twin piston pump (20) especially adapted for the pumping of foods (e.g. juices, puddings or particulates such as stews and chilies) is provided which includes quick detach yoke and clevis assemblies (108, 124, 110, 126) connecting the reciprocable pistons (100, 102) with their associated hydraulic cylinders (116, 118), thereby permitting quick cleanup of the machine (20). A jacking screw plate (136) is used for forward mounting of the piston and cylinder assemblies (84, 86, 116, 118) coupled with the sleeves (42, 44) and associated pistons (100, 102). This permits precise adjustment of the working components of the machine, while eliminating expensive bearings and heavy ducy framing members. The pump (20) is also provided with a slide plate-type valve (38, 184) for controlling output of product from the pump (20). In one valve embodiment (184) a two-part metallic slide plate assembly (192, 200) is sandwiched between a pair of apertured nylon plates (186).

Abstract: A jet-knife assembly for meats or like products is provided which assures even, predictable grinding with a minimum of objectionable fines or agglomerated strings, so as to yield final products of consistent dimensions and characteristics. The overall assembly preferably includes a plate presenting only a single set of circularly arrayed apertures therethrough, together with a cooperating, multiple-blade, rotating knife adjacent the plate; the knife blades each have elongated fluid-conveying channels along the operating faces thereof, which are sized relative to the plate apertures so that the cross-sectional area of the channel is always greater than the total plate open area in communication with the channel during blade rotation. Pressurized steam or air is directed to the blade channels during operations, so that as the knife rotates and blade channels come into communication with the plate apertures, product is expelled or "popped" out of the plate apertures.